Different Types of Coconut Oil

When you begin looking at the health benefits to using more coconut oil in your life, you may notice that the store has a lot of different types. It is important to understand what type of coconut oil you need in order for it to be most beneficial. Here are some different types of coconut oil to be aware of.

Organic Coconut Oil

The first type of coconut oil you want to be sure you get is organic coconut oil. This means that the coconuts themselves were grown without any pesticides or other chemicals. This shouldn’t be the only label you look for, but when you want it to be as natural as possible, look for the words organic on the label. If you are in the United States, this will usually need to be “USDA Organic” to qualify.

Unrefined Coconut Oil

Another label that you might see when you go shopping for your coconut oil is either refined or unrefined. A good way to look at it is that refined coconut oil is more processed than unrefined coconut oil, so it is best to go with the jar that says unrefined on the label. When coconut oil is refined, it means that a lot of the flavor of the coconut is removed from the oil by choosing a higher smoke point for preparing the oil. This is done for people who like the benefits of coconut oil, but don’t want the flavor. However, this process keeps it from being fresh and raw.
 
Virgin or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

You will frequently see that extra virgin or virgin coconut oil is recommended for food, drinks, or personal use. Pay close attention to the label of the coconut oil you purchase so that you get the right variety. You aren’t paying much attention to the difference between virgin or extra virgin coconut oil, but that at least one of these terms are used. It is not like olive oil where there is a difference between these. It simply means it is lighter than pure coconut oil, which is needed in some circumstances.

You may also notice other types of coconut oil, like cold pressed or processed coconut oil. The use and recipe for your DIY purposes will determine what type of coconut oil to use. However, in general, you should go with the unrefined organic coconut oil, often looking for it to say raw, virgin, or extra virgin on the label.
